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HANDLING THE PHOTOGRAPH
Proper handling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent damage to photographs. Always wash your hands before touching a photograph and, if possible, wear clean, white cotton gloves designed for handling art.
When picking up a photograph always use both hands and make sure the back of the print is supported so it does not bend. Never touch the surface of a photograph with your finger. If you are trying to blow something off the surface, make sure you do not accidentally spit on the print. The surface of photographs can be damaged by sliding prints against each other and by placing objects on top of them.
If you planning a major move, make sure your fine art photography is protected from the elements and other moving hazards. You may want to consider using a moving service familiar with managing fine art. Wrap your fine art photography in acid free paper and plastic to prevent water & dust damage.
FRAME & DISPLAY
Take your fine art photography to a framer experienced in handling fine art photography and archival framing. If your photograph becomes damaged and in need of repair, consider your options carefully. Most restoration options carry risks to the remaining quality of the photograph. Sometimes it is best to leave it as is. Proper framing, display and storage may be your best solution.
Make your framing expert aware if you plan to hang your fine art photography on the wall, including the type of wall (drywall with studs, concrete/brick). This will ensure the appropriate picture wire and brackets are secured to the back of the frame. If you are unsure of the correct hardware to use on the wall, consult with your local hardware store for recommendations. You will need to share the the weight of the framed fine art photograph and the type of wall with your hardware expert.
LIGHT
Never hang or exhibit photographs in direct sunlight. Try to avoid strong indirect daylight. It is a good idea to change prints frequently if they hang in strong light situations.
Ultraviolet light is what you want to avoid. Many fluorescent tube lamps give off ultraviolet light. Filters are available and should be used. Also, you may wish to purchase ultraviolet-shielding Plexiglas or glass when having your photographs framed.
Normal household light bulbs do not present a problem.
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HEAT & HUMIDITY
Try to avoid extremes of heat and humidity. Keep photographs away from fireplaces, radiators or other heating devices.
When storing photographs, keep them out of damp basements and hot attics. It is best to keep them at a constant temperature humidity. Museums try to keep a temperature around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of 40%. If the humidity is too high, be on the lookout for Foxing, a type of mold growth. If you live in a tropical environment, contact a local museum in your area for specific precautions.
EXTERNAL POLLUTANTS
Where you hang and store your fine art photography can make a big difference. Try to avoid smog, fumes from fresh paint, cleaning solvents, motor exhausts, burning wood and smoke of any kind, rubber bands and other rubber based products, moist air from the oceans and food being prepared nearby.
The best way to protect your fine art photography is to place them in a safe area whenever conditions become extreme.
INSECTS
Insects have been known to eat the emulsion on prints and are attracted to certain types of glue such as wheat-flour paste. Also, insect secretion can stain a print. A properly framed photograph is your best protection. If you see an insect in a framed photograph, remove it immediately and check for others. If you store your photographs, occasionally check the storage area for nests of various kinds.